We live in a world that is virtually a global village, thanks to all the leaps and bounds we have made in technological advancement. As a result, the way we communicate is a process that is dynamic and constantly evolving. The one constant factor, however, for businesses is the need of businesses for a reliable communications system that includes Wi-Fi voice, video, virtual phone systems, hybrid analog to VoIP solutions, and so on. While desktop phones provide the basic framework of communications for most businesses, IP phones are developing and adapting to fit present-day business requirements.
Voice calls form the backbone for any business communication, the more for small businesses. A VoIP phone system for small businesses can make a world of difference for the business to maintain its connection with the internal and external phone network.
Due to the presence of many options, choosing the right VoIP phone for a business can prove to be a challenging task. That having been said, there are a few key points worth bearing in mind, when choosing the apt IP phones for your client or business.
1. Budget
Possessing the right communication tools leads to increased productivity. Hence, it is essential to set aside money towards procuring the right IP phone. An updated and reliable IP phone system ensures the prevention of loss of money and time. A budget helps ensure that the client or business doesn’t overspend on advanced features that might merely be frills. A restrained budget need not mean a less effective IP phone solution because even essential IP phones have features and capabilities that businesses need to remain productive.
2. User Base
Before choosing a VoIP phone, it is crucial to know the following-
a) How a business operates
b) Who the end-users are
c) How users are broken up by telephony requirements
d) The scale of the telephony solutions
e) The number of calls the business handles daily
f) The budget
The answers to these questions will help in figuring out what kind of phone the business needs. There might be instances where one model of the phone could work for the entire business. In more complex cases, a different model may be required depending on the departments.
3. Ethernet or Wi-Fi connection
Open offices and BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) have led to increased adoption of Wi-Fi as a means of internet connection. Traditional Ethernet-connected IP phones are a good choice for more traditional offices whereas Wi-Fi desktop phones may be a better option for modern IT infrastructures.
4. Phone Features
External communications may require features that impact SIP accounts, call volume, the complexity of calls, extensions, etc. On the other hand, organizations with high internal communications may require devices including speed-dial functionality, head-set compatibility, extra MPKs (Multi-purpose Keys), and BLF (Busy Lamp Fields).
5. Mobility
Wi-Fi voice allows access to voice and video networks through cordless Wi-Fi IP phones. This offers unprecedented mobility while streamlining installation, maintenance, and ongoing maintenance. You can use it without incurring heavy carrier or roaming charges. It is this feature that makes a VoIP phone system a perfect choice for small business executives who have to travel frequently.
A VoIP phone system offers a cutting edge to business communication, particularly for small businesses. Some of the advantages of a VoIP system are:
- VoIP enables freedom from a physical desktop. Employees are empowered to work together from remote locations. It runs on software and the internet and hence has zero phone hardware requirements. It offers better business continuity that was hard to get with traditional phone systems.
- IT workload is reduced to a bare minimum since VoIP is a telephony tool that functions on the cloud.
- A VoIP system is a money saver because you can cut down on expenses related to line rentals, maintenance charges, service charges, etc.
- A VoIP phone system allows device interoperability facilitating easy access for customers from any device they are using.
At SPARK Services, we can help you choose the perfect VoIP phone solution that offers an effective and easy-to-use and deploy voice platform with advanced features. Our team of experts will guide you through the process of empowering your business.
Contact us and experience cutting-edge technology at its very best.